Hartley gets Flames job

Hartley, who coached the Colorado Avalanche to a 2001 Stanley Cup, was rumoured to be among the frontrunners for the Canadiens head coaching job.

The short list is believed to include Michel Therrien, Guy Carbonneau and Marc Crawford.

On the Wednesday night edition of L’Antichambre, Mario Tremblay predicted Therrien would get the Canadiens’ job.

Hartley had been at the Memorial Cup last week, serving as an “eye in the sky” assistant to his former junior and AHL player, Shawinigan head coach Éric Veilleux. But Hartley did not stick around for the victory celebrations.

He traveled from Shawinigan to Calgary for an early-week job interview with Flames general manager Jay Feaster.

1,244 Comments

@edlopez and your comment about Roy being too strong a personality for a rookie GM to handle. If I remember correctly from PM’s comments the morning after, that was one of the questions put to the GM candidates. “How would you handle a Patrick Roy as a coach?”

Finally just saw the interview myself. All I hope for is that Subban is allowed to be Subban next year and his teammates are there for him.

I want to see him celebrating in style next year, throwing huge hits and scoring big goals.

I hope this “All For One” mentality that Marc Bergevin has mentioned several times comes to fruition and if other teams and players are giving Subban a hard time that a Staubitz or Moen or a new addition will be right there to back PK up.

From Timmins’ interviews it definitely seems that the organization has learned from the mistakes of guys like Latendresse, Ribeiro, Sergei Kostitsyn, and even the early days of Carey Price (which thankfully he recovered from).

Playing in Montreal is extrremely difficult for a young player. Its more fan and media pressure than any market in the league, and character and maturity matter.

In our last two first round picks, we see a very specific trend. Tinordi and Beaulieu are sons of hockey lifers. Are kids who have lived their lives facing a lot of pressures due to that. It can’t be easy in minor hockey when everyone in the league knows your dad is famous for his career in hockey. The expectations are always raised. These kids have seen how their fathers dealt with pressure, dealt with the playoffs, dealt with balancing their personal and professional lives, etc…. Its an education that other kids don’t get and probably gives them a leg up on handling Montreal. Gallagher is another kid like this.

This is not to say that other kids cannot be well grounded, and prepared for the pressure of the city. (And Bergevin hiring Mellanby is important to the organization as it will help these kids too). But this is exactly why the interview process from the combine is so important to our team.

From seeing his interview, and knowing his history and the fact that he’s another one of these kids from a pro hockey family. I really think Galchenyuk is the best pick for the organization, and the kid who has the best chance of succeeding in this market.

There’s a lot of talk that timmins has spent a lot of time with forsberg. Meeting his family and everything. I honestly have no clue who montreal will pick at the draft. I think a lot depends on what Columbus is going to do. They seem to be the real wildcard. I can see them taking Galchyenuk

personnaly i am hoping the habs get kerdilies with their second pick. Matteau would be good too. From all the scouting reports and mock drafts i’ve seen. 20-60 seem to be all over the map depending on the scout

From Renaud Lavoie and 360 interview on the 30th.
– Patrick Boivin will stay with the Canadiens. He’s the cap specialist for the team.
– Trevor Timmins won’t be the director of player development. Draft only. Too much work for one man.

Martin Raymond, was hired by the Lightning as assistant coach on July 20, 2010 after previously serving under Head Coach Guy Boucher with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL during the 2009-10 season. Raymond’s previous work with Boucher, as well as fellow assistant Daniel Lacroix, played an important role during the 2010-11 season, providing for familiarity and open communication.

Raymond, 44, served as the head coach of the McGill University Redmen for 14 seasons prior to joining Boucher with the Bulldogs. Most recently he led the Redmen to an 18-8-2 record and an OUA East Conference title as well as a berth in the CIS National Championship, their second year in a row in 2008-09. While at McGill, Raymond amassed a 293-192-35 record in 520 games, including 206-110-30 during the regular season. In 2008 he helped the Redmen bring home the Queen’s Cup league championship for the first time since 1946. It was at McGill where Raymond first worked alongside Boucher.

A native of Pierrefonds, Quebec, Raymond received numerous honors while behind the bench at McGill. He was given the Father George Kehoe Memorial Award in 2006 and was named the OUA Eastern Coach of the Year in 2000, 2005, 2006 and 2009. Probably the most significant came during the summer of 2011 when McGill honored Raymond by naming him to the school’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Before beginning his coaching career Raymond played five seasons at McGill, registering 109 goals and 253 points in 154 career games. He garnered all-conference honors on three occasions and All-Canadian status in 1991-92, his final season. Raymond was also named McGill’s male athlete of the year and team MVP that season. He also won a bronze medal with Team Canada at the 1991 Spengler Cup.

Raymond received a master’s degree in physical education in 1996 and is also a former teammate of Boucher’s, who played at McGill as well from 1991-95.

Martin and his wife, Christine, have two sons named Philippe and Antoine.

Question is, why would we pick Roy simply based on the fact he is an ex-Hab? There are plenty of qualified assistant coaches/AHL coaches with professional experience. Owner/Coach doesnt qualify in my books. Roy should seriously be the coach of Hamilton before Montreal at the very least for some experience dealing with adults.

Despite hoping a different candidate would show himself, I am willing to accept either Roy or Crawford at this point. I think MB has built a solid front office who will help the coach as best possible in providing players and wisdom.

Yes Ed, that has been my concern all the way along. However, MB has to know this, so I trust if he goes with Roy he has thought this through. I don’t think he will hire Roy, but will appease everyone by interviewing. Reminds me of how I feel Molson patronized media properly by interviewing Pierre McGuire.

True, but you gotta turn over some stones to find the grub. There are many AHL franchises, and over 60 assistant coaches in the NHL. I daresay some of them are much more qualified than Roy for one of the toughest jobs in sports.

Vigneault did not have the opportunity. He would have had to quit the Canucks and then hope the Habs gave him the job. Why would you quit a great job with a still very good team without a sure offer elsewhere?

We have no idea that Hartley was offered the Montreal job. It is more likely that he was not offered the position and accepted the Calgary offer instead.

Agree, Sounds to me like Hank was listening to the Rocket Scientists on Rogers Sportsnet last night who phrased it that way. Afterall why wouldn’t that NBA loving Sid Sexeiro from the Fan590 know all about how Vigneault “said no” to the Habs. I wouldn’t respect Vigneault in the least if he quit on the Canucks at this juncture, it is his team right now and he should want to finish the job. As for Hartley, I don’t see him going to Calgary being a bad thing.

Depending on how much of the reporting one is willing to accept, Hartley had his own deadline to work with. Reportedly, his Swiss league team extended until JUN 1st a timeline for exploring NHL coaching options.
IF you accept this, he was under pressure to finalize something. This may not have meshed with MB’s plan to take the time necessary to interview, brainstorm and then make the decision.

Just checking Crawford’s stats as a coach for the last 3 teams he’s coached over the last 11 years. In the playoffs when it counts over the last 11 year period he had with his teams 1 second round loss, 3 first round loses and 7 times out of the playoffs. That would not work for me despite the fact that he won 1 Stanley Cup 14 years ago, with a very good team.

Good morning Gerald. Abusive coaches have success for a limited time. Eventually the fear loses its meaning and the room is list. Coaches who gather respect of their players have longer term success.
Gabs teammates saw it too. Thanks for sharing.
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Reasons we should not trade down in this years draft:
Jonathan Huberdeau, Matt Duchene. These are 2 young centremen drafted at the 3rd spot in the draft in very recent years. We finally have our chance to get a centerman to build around for the long term, also the benefit of entry level contract. This team is in a rebuild mode, we need to continue the youth movement and bear the fruit in years to come. We have a few wonderful veterans like Gionta and Cole to help teach these young men how to play in the NHL.
Jonathon Toews was also a 3rd pick not too long ago.

Lets take advantage of this past crappy season.

On a final note, I am kind of sick of the interview with Tambellini where he beams with his smile how his team “won” the lottery, no you earned it because your team has sucked for 3 years in a row. THe league should mandate teams can’t win lottery 2-3 times in a row, this team has taken tank to a whole new level.

Ya what a goofball Tambellini, his team is a joke, and he might draft Yakupov? I hope they do because they will suck for more years to come, and it will make guys like Taylor Hall useless.
I am also sick of them getting high picks for intentionally sucking.

Robert L. sent me some more information on the Marc Crawford family to add to my post of last night.

Hey Ian, these are just some thoughts of mine regarding Crawford. If you want to post them at HIO or reply to your e-mail group with them, feel free.

Let me add a little bit to Ian’s details. Crawford also had strong ties to Cornwall

First off, it’s Marc, not Mark. The spelling is because his mother is French.

I knew Marc a little, in three small ways. My locker in high school was next to Hawerchuk and Scott Arniel. Marc attended another school, but he dropped by his linemate’s lockers often. He was the driver who would pick them up for Royals’ practices. He’d also hang around the school lots to see his girlfriend/future wife Helene Sauve. His nickname from back then was “Sparky.” Helene’s sister is married to a friend of mine that I’ve known since back in 1979 and worked with for a number of years. When Marc returned to coach the Royals from ’89 to 91, my former sister in law used to cut his hair. Yes, blame her – she did give him that awful doo!

Marc and his family (son Dylan is a goalie) return to Cornwall for a week every summer to visit Helene’s family. In that week, he still stops by his “old-hairdresser.” In 1996, after Marc won the Cup with Colorado, he had “his day” with Stanley in Cornwall. My niece Melissa had her picture taken with Marc and the Cup. She was 12, the lucky little thing!

Both of Marc’s brothers also played junior in Cornwall and all three went on to the NHL. Older brother Bob played 9 seasons in the NHL. He scored 30 something goals with Hartford in the mid-80’s. The youngest was Louis, who went undrafted but was in Buffalo and Detroit’s system (I think?). He played only a few games with Boston.

Funny story about Marc and Louis. In the 1981 Memorial Cup final they played each other. Marc was with the Royals, Lou with Kitchener. His father Floyd, who Ian mentioned, was asked which boy he was pulling for. Now most Dads wouldn’t pick a side, but Floyd did. Unequivocally he said “Marc. Lou will get his chance next season!” What a call. Louis did win the cup with Kitchener in 1982.

Floyd not only captained the Belleville McFarlands in 1959, earlier he was in the Habs system with the Montreal Royals, Chicoutimi and the Omaha Knights -Canadiens’ sponsored teams at the time. With the Royals, he played with Dickie Moore and his brother Jimmy, and goalie Gerry McNeil. With Chicoutimi, his goalie was Denis Brodeur, Martin’s father.

Floyd Crawford coached the Royals for one year in the mid 1980’s as a favour to a friend in the team’s ownership group. He agree to do so for one year only, to help an assistant named Zappia grow into the role.

Four or five years later, Marc got the Royals job and didn’t do all so well, going 47-80-5. Admittedly, the Royals talent level was brutal at the time and Marc did his best he could. One game, I was sitting in the row directly behind the Royals bench. This man about 30 years older than me sat right next. Man was he a pain in the ass. Didn’t shut up the whole time, yelling and stuff. It was like he was coaching from his seat. It was Floyd. I’ll say this, I know where Marc gets his intensity from. And he’s got French blood too!

Marc showed his true coaching mettle the following season in St. John with the Leafs farm club, going 39-29-12. They lost in the Calder Cup final that season. What was most impressive about Marc’s AHL coaching career was a weird circumstance in his third season that he got the Baby Leafs through. The were kicked out/locked out of their own arena due to a city employees strike in ’93-94, and they had to play close to 55 of their 80 games on the road. Something like 30 or so straight games were on the road after rescheduling. One of them was in Cornwall, against the Fredricton Canadiens. Despite that challenge, Marc still managed to not only get the team into the post season, but they finished with a record of 45-23-12. Pretty awesome.

With that, the NHL came calling and he was hired by Quebec. One year later, when the team moved to Denver, Marc did another little favour for Cornwall to tie in with his annual family visit. The very first Avalanche game was in town against the Habs. First player on the ice Owen Nolan, he lasted about 10 games before being traded to the Sharks.

There are lots of rumours right now about Marc for Montreal, and that he’s taking French lessons. The French lessons are not rumour, they are fact. He’s been in town for almost a month, or I should say that he’s been spending time in Cornwall going as far back as late April. In early May, I happened to stop right next to him at a red light. No mistaking that haircut. I rolled down my window and yelled “Hey, Sparky!” He just looked at me and drove off.

It might be here that he’s taking the lessons. One other person I know (not any of those mentioned above) said he’s seen him here twice since.

That’s about all I got….I should make some phone call….irritate a few old friends.

Yup, I think Marc is going to be the guy. He’s wanted this job since forever.

The Crawford Clan is one heck of a winning hockey family!
They could do a lot worse than Mark Crawford coaching in Mtl. Let me shed some light on the Crawford family here in Belleville.
They are all about hockey from top to bottom for the past 70 years.
1st, Floyd Crawford, the father, grandfather and patriarch of the family, is one of the finest evaluators of hockey talent in the world.
He won the world cup when he was captain of the Belleville MacFarlin’s so long ago that I forget which year.
All his son’s including Mark played the game at all levels. All his son’s coached hockey at all levels, including Louis in Belleville and Mark in Cornwall of the OHL before moving on to coach in the big leagues. All 4 son’s have played pro, and coached pro hockey, and have been successful at each level.
So if we happen to get Mark as head coach, do not be surprised if part of the Crawford clan joins him in Montreal, including Floyd, the father.

Hey Ian, could you send me a quick email. I need to add you to my contacts list (new PC). Summit meeting 1st week of July, and by meeting I mean lemonade by your pool and splashing the kids with the nerf ball.

They Call Me Shane
“They never asked to be Canadiens, they were Chosen.”
Shane Oliver
Twitter @Sholi2000http://www.Sholi2000.com
Custom Sports Figures

Having watched the combine last night, i came away from it thinking I would be tempted to take Galchenyuk if I had the #1 overall pick. The kid has a great attitude, he is in tremendous physical condition. The Conditioning coach at the combine said there should be no concerns regarding the kids knee based on what he saw the kid do.

Going into this past season he very likely would have been #1overall, he suffered a knee injury and has dropped as a result. I am worried someone trades with Columbus and gets their #2 pick to take this kid, wondering if perhaps Bergevin needs to swap picks and add something to get this kid.

I hope your right, and it would be the sensible choice. Columbus has some high priced dmen on their roster, and to be able to add a player like Murray at a rookie salary would help them manage their roster financially as well. Exciting times ahead Ed, can’t wait for the draft, I just really hope Bettman and Fehr can be honest with each other and make a deal so we don’t miss out on hockey next season.

I can’t say I have followed enough of Marc Crawford’s career to comment on him as the Habs next coach. I did grow up and belleville and played sports with a couple of the “kids” though. About 30 years ago (that can’t be right…), my friend was mouthing off to Danielle, Marks sister during shinny. She was the first girl I ever saw wear hockey skates, and could skate like a guy. She laid a beating on him that I have never forgotten! Rag dolling him with the left and popping him with right after right!

Crawford might not have “ordered” the hit on Moore, but he didn’t stop it either.

The way Bertuzzi went after Moore it is clear that there was pre-meditated intent.

That is what Crawford could have and arguably should have stopped in HIS dressing room prior to the game.

The whole league knew something could happen to Moore that night.

Crawford could have and should have used his pre-game speech to warn his players that under no circumstances would any pre-meditated retaliation against Moore be tolerated by him or the Canucks team.

If Moore refused to fight, and he did several times, (maybe because he already fought Matt Cooke ealier in the 1st period) than Crawford should have insisted, using his power and influence as the COACH, that the Canucks players had an obligation to keep playing, and wait for an opportunity to hit Moore legally; to play the game the way it was meant to be played.

Crawford failed to stop Bertuzzi from taking action, and as coach of that team he could have and should have been able to stop it.

Moore’s injury could have been avoided.

The man’s life is in tatters – not only his hockey career.

Therefore, I do see how Crawford could be held accountable.

The fact that there is legal action pending in October, I believe, should concern the Habs’ brass.

I think you raise a good point Ed, however, I will caution that Todd Bertuzzi also has never struck me as the sharpest knife in the drawer. I have the same concerns regarding Crawford, but I also believe in 2nd chances just as players get 2nd chances. I have to believe Crawford has learned from this experience.

Well I still hold Bertuzzi far more accountable than Crawford and the league seems happy to let him play. Again Ed, I respect and mostly agree with your opinion on how Marc handled the bench that night. But I still think the caveman Bertuzzi should bear almost all the brunt on this one.

Ed, I find your post to be an extreme and maliciously worded attempt to paint Marc Crawford as a villain.

I havent posted recently because I am grappling with the ugliness surrounding the coaching scene. Bertrand Raymond’s comments re Crawford were distasteful and ugly. And your use of the Moore incident to make Crawford out to be a despicable human being is similarly unfair.

Curiously you dont mention even one bleep regarding Patrick Roy’s brother’s incident while Roy was coaching.

I am unhapy with the ‘perceived’ crop of choices including Crawford. And I fear what it means for our organization that we seem to be restricted to this lot. I hope Bergevin, with all the research and hardwork people attribute to him, has a more inspiring and compelling candidate on his mind.

What happened to Moore under Crawford was wrong and Crawford does bear his share of responsibility. But I challenge you, as one who has followed hockey for so long to say that this incident was not part of the ‘culture’ of hockey. Sure it ended worse than many and should and would be the catalyst for change. But you deliberately go overboard to paint Marc Crawford as some sort of ‘hockey criminal’.

And then you end as follows. ” The man’s life is in tatters – not only his hockey career.”… WOW!

Is a pre-meditated and violent attack from behind, against a player who has refused to fight willingly (actually Moore had already fought Matt Cooke in the 1st period) leading up the incident, part of the “accepted culture” of NHL hockey?

And if it is determined that Bertuzzi’s actions went beyond the “accepted culture” of the NHL,

what legal responsibility should be born by management in not taking the necessary actions to pro-actively stop this violence?

you admit: “What happened to Moore under Crawford was wrong and Crawford does bear his share of responsibility”

Interesting that you believe there is a ” legal case ” to be made against Crawford ? What is the basis for this and what do you foresee in terms of the conclusion of such a case ?
– Have you reviewed transcripts of the Bertuzzi matter ?
– Have you interviewed witnesses ?
– Would this case be criminal ? Civil ?
It strikes me there may be grounds for legal ‘ noise ‘ before a possible out-of-court settlement but, beyond that, not much else. 2¢ worth.

If that’s true then all I can say is that I wish Crawford had been behind the Habs’ bench the night that Chara broke Pacioretty’s neck, or at least the next game they played against the Bruins.

The Bruins will continue to own us until someone wearing a CH on his jersey beats the living hell out of someone wearing a spoked B. That may ruffle people with delicate sensibilities but that is how the game works at the pro level.

I am always reminded of what Steve Shutt once said about the dynasty of the late 70’s. He pinpointed the beginning of it to a bench-clearing brawl against the then 2-time defending champs from Philly. The Habs proved in that game that they could beat the Flyers on the ice and, if need be, in the alley. According to Shutt “We won the Cup that night.” And remember, he wasn’t talking about the finals; he was referring to a pre-season game. They knew before that season even began that they were going to win because they had beaten the Flyers at the only aspect of the game that they did well.

And they were able to do that because Scotty Bowman made sure that there were guys on his roster who could take care of business.

So for me, any coach who does more than stand there like a zombie behind the bench will be an improvement.

A group of losers and retreads, the detritus of the NHL, the unemployable!

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What does the Commissioner of the NHL do?

In short, a league commissioner is the action man for the Board of Governors.

They tell him what they want done and he works to make it happen through his subordinates while making sure that individual franchises play by the rules.

******** Translated if you haven’t won the Stanley Cup in 40 years your NHL team is becoming irrelevant in a sports mad city long behind MLB, NFL and NBA teams, you just tell the commissioner(who you gave a new contract at 7 plus million per) to make it happen and the rules are bent sufficiently to action the command.

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin has raised a few eyebrows by announcing that the new Head Coach will not be a person but will be a collective, will be virtual and connected to the growing phenomena of social media.

Montreal – Social Media is the new head coach of the Montreal Canadiens.

With all the pots and pans clanging in Montreal and around the world Montreal Canadiens owner and president Geoff Molson has decided to not get caught with his pants down like his soon to be hockey rival Paul Desmarais.

Said Mr. Moslon, “we have decided to get Anonymous.” Reporters look stunned as this cryptic statement was made.

In a press release available at the Montreal Canadiens website, the Canadiens organization has provided some details and insights into the decision.

Said Mr Molson, “Look. All we want to do is succeed, but to succeed you have to sell tickets. As it stands with all the demonstrations in Montreal and the potential for years of student protests and general unrest we’ve decided to take things to the street. When Mr. Gauthier was GM I would often read HIO and they got it right 9 times out of 10 versus Pierre Gauthier’s getting it right 1 time out of the same number of chances.”

“It just made sense to go to coaching by committee.”

Asked how the HIO commentariat would be able to coach the team Mr Molson said he has put together a system whereby the comments will be gleaned in real time by a group of ex-hockey coaches and players who will interepret the comments as they come and then will relay that info via head sets implanted in all the players helmets.

When pressed further Mr. Bergevin cut in and offered this tidbit. “It’s the way we do it in Quebec.” Obviously appealing to the Bertrand Raymonds and Michel Bergerons of the world. “We are even considering using the energy displayed by the student movement and will be deciphering the embedded code within the clanging of pots and pans at 8 PM every night. At the very least it should make for an interesting 2nd period”

The HIO commentariat replaces Randy Cunneyworth who was thrown to the wolves in December of 2011 before a 6 game road trip.

Just checking in. I see we’re still seriously overrating our defensive prospects. Seeing lots of posts about Tinordi making the team next year. My favourite is the ubiquitous post that shows the Habs defensive depth chart in two years as …

Markov – Tinordi
Subban – Gorges
Beaulieu – Ellis
Emelin

… and then concludes something like “the future is bright!!”

Still no way to know if any of those guys will stick in the NHL, people. Although I think Beaulieu has a great shot. But we’re still acting like all three of those guys are superstars in waiting. Prob not gonna happen.

Yeah, we’re getting a little carried away, but that’s what we’re reduced to, hoping for the future. I do think the future is bright, but try to rein myself in, and lecture myself that while these three boys show promise, they’re not automatic All-Stars. Heck, it’s probable one or two will flop in the NHL, that’s the nature of the game, not all prospects pan out.

What’s instructive is going to Hockey’s Future right now, and looking at the Canadiens page. Due to a glitch they haven’t yet fixed since their redesign, the news on the page dates back to 1999, and we’re treated to hopeful articles on prospects such as Eric Chouinard and Mike Ribeiro, among others. That’s a good history lesson right there.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

Tinordi,Beaulieu and Ellis will not and should not be in the lineup next year. For a few games ? Why not but they are Hamilton bound for their own good.

If they do play in MTL next year then all those blaming the organization for not helping the youngsters to develop are right on the money. We have to be patient and look forward.

There is a big difference between mister right and mister right now and although the situation in Mtl was far from being acceptable last season, there is no need to make desperate moves that would hurt the future of the franchise. I personnaly have no doubt that the situation cannot get worse and that next season will provide us with a more stable and winning attitude . A few changes in the lineup through some trades should do the trick.

Flip the #3 overall choice to the Leafs for their #5 pick and Luke Schenn? Sure, I’d do it. I’d rather have their second rounder rather than Luke Schenn though.

I blame commandant for this. All of his touting the players on offer June 22, and I’m not happy with just three picks in the first two rounds, I want more, more, MORE!

———————————
In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

In short, a league commissioner is the action man for the Board of Governors.

They tell him what they want done and he works to make it happen through his subordinates while making sure that individual franchises play by the rules.

******** Translated if you haven’t won the Stanley Cup in 40 years your NHL team is becoming irrelevant in a sports mad city long behind MLB, NFL and NBA teams, you just tell the commissioner(who you gave a new contract at 7 plus million per) to make it happen and the rules are bent sufficiently to action the command.

I posted links today, you can find the interview on YouTube and cbc.ca.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

I’m surprised ya’ll don’t touch on the Crawford issue with Moore? That is enough to turn me off as the bounty thing with the Saints continues to simmer. The last thing we need is a coach with that kind of overhang. Nothing ’til Sept. 22 to be decided in court. Gotta be some other choices besides Roy and Therry?

Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!

Moore almost got killed. I hardly think that was overblown, his career was ended. I mean not so different from Chara riding Max into the stanchion, I guess it was intent. Nevertheless, if the coach had a bounty on his head, it is a waste of good hockey talent. If you look at the extra effort and positonal problems that more hits cause each team on any given night, it doesn’t pay to be focused on hitting and damaging the other teams stars. Let the opposition run after us and waste their lungs and bodies. Just look at Lidstrom. He found a way to avoid punishing hits for 20 years.

Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!

Yes, I agree intent was an issue here. The intent of Moore to take Naslund’s head off in a previous game. That was an extremely dirty hit by a marginal player on a star player that caused a serious injury, and likely should have been Moore’s last game in the league.

And for the record, Moore did not almost get killed. If you looked at the play (as I have), you can see his injury came from all the players piling on him when they tried to defend him. Moore could also have played again; that is, if he hadn’t alienated the entire league’s management and players with his ludicrous lawsuit – and if he wasn’t an extremely marginal player with little talent.

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☞ “Wow, that’s a nice lookin’ pair of Crocs!” Said no one ever.☜

You’re off base Clay. Steve Moore did almost get killed. Three broken vertebrae in someone’s neck are not merely a flesh wound. And no he won’t play again in the league, but not because of a blackball by NHL GM’s. He suffered a very real, very serious brain injury, and still can’t function normally in every day life, let alone competitive sports. He has difficulty concentrating, debilitating headaches, and can’t even perform a normal job or have a career, which is devastating for a guy who was bright enough to attend Harvard.

Also, to blame the pileup after the assault for the injury, and excuse the assault itself is asinine. It’s akin to a drunk saying he didn’t kill the pedestrian, it was the impact with the curb after the collision with the hood of his car that did it.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

Well, I think Moore is playing up the injury to help his lawsuit, and I do blame the scrum as much as Burtuzzi. Feel free to disagree, but this type of thing happens all the time in the NHL when a star player is taken out by a cheap shot, and the league sits on its ass and does nothing. If Moore didn’t get the freak injury he did, we would never remember this event at all. And that’s what it was – a freak inury.

Besides that, Moore should have been suspended for the season for what he did. If you want to talk about banning fighting, I’m all ears – but until that happens, the players will police themselves in this manner if the league refuses to do it. And it’s obvious the league doesn’t care about injuries and cheap shots, as they use them to sell the game. Burtuzzi would not even have been suspended if not for all the negative press, in my opinion. I’m not saying he shouldn’t have been, because I think anyone who injures someone on a ‘cheap’ play should be suspended for a LONG time (like Moore should have been, as I mentioned earlier), and what Bert did was certainly cheap.

How about we throw some blame to Moore’s coach as well? If everyone knew there would be retaliation, why not sit Moore out that game as a gesture of good will and respect? It’s not like he ever made a difference in a game, and he never should have been playing in it anyways, if the league had any balls.

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☞ “Wow, that’s a nice lookin’ pair of Crocs!” Said no one ever.☜

It would be something to think about. I would consider Luke Schenn (and I know he had a bad year this year but he is still very young, big, physical and has alot of potential) and swamping picks as long as we were sure to get either Forsberg or Grigorenko at number 5.

If in Timmon’s opinion there is not much difference between Galchenyuk, Forsberg and Grigorenko and the Habs could add a solid asset like Luke Schenn to the team then they should do it.

It is oppoutunities like this that hopefully the new regime will score big on. It would be a smart move to get a high prospect like Galch, Grigor or Fors PLUS a big, promising 22 year old defenceman who weights 230 pounds that could shine now that he is away from the wingnut Ron Wilson.

With a good defence coach like Larry Robinson in MOntreal, a guy like Schenn could be a solid defenceman to play with Subban for years. He could even replace Ryan McDonagh.

You can never have too many young promising assets on your team.
I am not saying trade the number 3 pick and move down to 15 or something like that. But if we could move down 2 spots, still end up with Galch, Grigor or Forsberg (as long as Timmons believes there is not much difference between the 3) with our pick plus a promising 22 year old defenceman, then why not.

It is called being creative with assets. Holmgren for Philly is good at being creative when dealing.

I f’n missed the Combine show on TSN. Freakin TSN will replay the same SportCenter 4 times in a row but have no plans on replaying the NHL Combine show. Irretating. There wouldn’t be a link by any chance?

Watching AC. They are all evaluating the three media candidates. Roy, Mike and Mark. It just sounds all too much like when you start getting stock tips from your barber or taxi driver, you know its time to get out.I still have this nagging feeling that MB is going to hire a coach that nobody is talking about such as Groulx(Kudos to Commandant). Sometimes the obvious is obviously wrong.

I wonder if M.Bergevin would consider looking outside the box and really be an innovator and consider a coaching staff such as:
Head Coach: Viktor Tikanov
Assistant coach: Jari Kurri
Assistant coach: Igor Larionov

Really enjoyed the TSN coverage of the combine, especially the interview with Trevor Timmins. It was really interesting to hear his thoughts on the management change and how Bergevin was like a captain steering the ship. He pointed out how MB was really involved with them in their draft preparations and sat in on the player interviews, something Gauthier didn’t do very often. Really impressed with MB so far. I’m really excited about whats to come and I’m crossing my fingers for Galchenyuk.

I am having a HIO get together here this summer just before I order the Summit tickets. Some things are changing in the front office and Rejean thinks that only one package of 75 tickets at our special price will be available before they go to the general public. More later.

They could do a lot worse than Mark Crawford coaching in Mtl. Let me shed some light on the Crawford family here in Belleville.
They are all about hockey from top to bottom for the past 70 years.
1st, Floyd Crawford, the father, grandfather and patriarch of the family, is one of the finest evaluators of hockey talent in the world.
He won the world cup when he was captain of the Belleville MacFarlin’s so long ago that I forget which year.

All his son’s including Mark played the game at all levels. All his son’s coached hockey at all levels, including Louis in Belleville and Mark in Cornwall of the OHL before moving on to coach in the big leagues. All 4 son’s have played pro, and coached pro hockey, and have been successful at each level.

So if we happen to get Mark as head coach, do not be surprised if part of the Crawford clan joins him in Montreal, including Floyd, the father.

I couldn’t agree more Ian. The last thing we need is a hot head….I’m more interested in maturity /experience with a bit of fire !!
Maybe Roy will end up as a asst. coach ..that way Molson can get a better read on him .

I love Roy. He was a great Hab. I love Gaibey. I love Carbo. I love Trembley, Joule. They were some of my favorite players of all time. I admit I am biased because of this. I was blind to Gainey’s shortcomings as I only saw 23. Still do. I just trust that MB does not have that same bias and will select the best coach based on his critera, not my biased critera.

We have no use for him on our roster. Jarome is the ‘missing piece’ type of player on a contending team’s roster, not someone we should waste precious assets on.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

So, for a rebuilding tream, trade a pick that will command a low salary, and potentially be a franchise player for 12-14 years, for a guy that is near the end of his career and has 2 good years left…and a huge salary ?

The discussion about the number of Quebecers in the NHL made me curious, so I wasted an hour of my life coming up with the table below. The population stats are 2011 Statistics Canada. the Province data by player is from NHL.com stats which lists the Province and State of every player under the Bio tab.

The real question is why are there not more players from Quebec in the NHL? Quebec has the second worst number of NHLers relative to population of all provinces. Compared to Ontario, Quebec should have 117 players instead of 58 in the NHL.

Saskachewan is an NHL factory, producing 44 NHLers with a population of just 1,057,900. Alberta produces more NHLers than Quebec with less than half the population. Even Minnesota produces more NHLers per 100,000 people than Quebec.

Shootdapuck, you’re on to something, though I believe you’re deliberately exaggerating.

My sense is Thomas could be so certain about his political calling, not necessarily in terms of running for election, but in playing a role in the November election, that he’d rather not be on a roster until after November.

This would free him from having to talk about causing distraction for team and teammates.

Assuming of course that there is no grave family issues he’s really dealing with… Speculating is an easy game.

Early Feb 2009: “Hiring Guy Carbonneau is the best decision I have made as GM” – Bob Gainey.

17 Feb 2009: Gainey tells Kovalev to go home and have a rest from hockey.

18 Feb 2009: Gainey has a long walk in Old Montreal with Alex Kovalev.

19 Feb 2009 – 9 March 2009: Habs post a 5-2 record.

9 March 2009: Carbonneau fired abruptly.

If Carbo was a good decision on Feb 18, and if he had a 5-2 record after Feb 18, why was he fired on March 9? And why hasn’t he worked again in the NHL? And why are him and Bob Gainey not speaking?

If he had a dalliance with Kovalev’s mistress as some have suggested, everything makes sense.

Johnny Ramone once stole Joey’s girlfriend, which led Joey to compose the great “The KKK Took my Baby Away” ( a reference to Johnny’s rightwing politics). That is the one and only time something good came out of diddling a close associate’s girlfriend.

Watching video of Mikhail Grigorenko at the combine, and it’s safe to say that he’s not a gym rat, as Alex Galchenyuk is touted to be. Mr. Grigorenko might have been a dominant player just based on his natural size and ability, but to take the next couple of steps he’s going to need to train off-ice a lot harder.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

you sir are right… When I watched those videos I was very surprised on the lack of muscle definition on those players… (Specially Grigorenko’s beer belly)
I know that they are barely 18 and I don’t want to brag but at that age I was in a much better shape than these kids or at least looked like it…
Nonetheless, I really hope that one of Yakupov or Galechnyuk is available at #3 when we pick…

Grigorenko has mono. Do people not get it. He is not lazy, he has mono. Same talk with couturier last year. Philly got the steal of the draft. If grigorenko falls like couturier did some team at 8-10 will be doing summersaults getting to draft one of the top 3 talents in the draft

Not dissing him Dust, not calling him lazy, just stating a fact that he needs some muscle tone. That’s what the combine is set up for, so that teams can discover this, project how a player will fill out, and what he needs to do to become the best player he can be. Based on his physique, he needs to do some weight training and plyometrics to generate the power his large frame will allow him to have.

I’m on record stating that I’ll be happy if we end up drafting him.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

“Grigorenko said he is fully recovered from the illness, one that prevented him from eating regularly, and thus resulted in significant weight loss. He will be attending the NHL Scouting Combine in Toronto this week but won’t be participating in any of the physical testing because he has not yet been cleared to begin training”

I don’t really want to be lumped in with Naweed as “you guys” on this one. Please read my response to Dust’s post, above yours.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

yes its clear, especially based on “you’d still draft him”. As would I, Im just correcting some misconceptions from above! People have to realize though, the guy is 18, 18 years old! People’s bodies haven’t fully developed yet, I knew mine hadn’t at that age..

“Mr. Grigorenko might have been a dominant player just based on his natural size and ability…” Based on that I’d pick him and put him on a strength training program. I’ve heard it said that “You can’t teach size”, but actually you can. You can’t make a guy taller, but send him to the gym and you can make he a whole lot stronger (by increasing depth and width ; ).

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

@ UCE
Happy to hear re PK. He still has much to learn in terms on ice decision/behavior, but is well on his way. His hockey skills speak for themselves, but you can also tell he’s a smart, well-rounded kid.

The guy is so down to earth, and such a mature person for his age (cue his response to the racism q). I like seeing the three brothers together: the playful pranks, the obvious family bond, the respect, the articulate answers to questions.

I particularly like his reply to the Don Cherry-like criticism of his celebrations and other things. He managed to avoid saying any of ‘sorry i’ll tone it down next season’, or ‘Don Cherry is passé’ or ‘I don’t pay attention to it’. He actually said sth like ‘I have watched a ton of Bobby Orr and i find he looks so cool not celebrating after a goal, with his stick on the ice, it’s the nicest thing. But when I score a goal, I feel like throwing my stick and my gloves in the air or to the crowd’ suggesting, you know what, that’s who I am (i’m actually even more excited than i’m showing). You can find a way to be who you are without disrespecting the game, was essentially his conclusion.

my exact beef with carbo. it would be a big mistake to bring him back. i still can’t forgive him for the loss to toronto in the win and in game. sticking with huet and then boldly saying he would do the same thing again even though we lost. routinely dressing 8 defensemen, including having georges play the wing was ridiculous. some say he has changed but where is the proof.

Regarding Tim Thomas decision to not play. Just heard the Chiarelli interview, and he makes no mention of family (that I recall) but speaks to Thomas being fatigued, and mentions that Thomas spoke of being very tired after the previous season when they won the cup. Chiarelli also comments that Thomas told him he was not playing, as opposed to might not, but Chiarelli went on to say to say that people change their minds sometimes.

There’s a guy who drove his career into the ditch. I can’t say I feel sorry for him. I’ll always remember him as the arrogant prick who ignored Carey Price when the young goalie was trying to chat during the 2011 All-Star Game draft. Mr. Thomas ignored him, with that smug expression he always has, like he was in church trying to listen to the sermon. As I’ve posted before, he was a lot more interested in being buddies and friendly with Carey when he tried to take him on in a fight and realized that he’d taken on more than he could chew.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

Gerald – Tough to tell if this is a real family emergency or just a major chess move by the Thomas side.

If it’s a true family crisis then that ends the discussion. It would have to really be something dire for a man to give up 3M and probably end his career (can a guy 39 still play in the NHL after taking a year off?)

If Thomas is pulling a powerplay then it could get real dicey. He can be traded after July 1st but it would now be for a lower return as Boston’s bargaining power decreases. Failing that, the Bruins could just let him sit for a year. It’s not like he could ever rejoin the team after screwing them over. I’d hang him out to dry after all the crap he laid down this year. Getting hit with a 6M cap hit (Thomas’ 5M plus 1M for a back-up) is going to sting big time. Especially if there is a lockout rollback.

The true winners in all of this just might turn out to be RFA, Tuuka Rask and UFA, Anton Khuddobin. Rask is about to hit paydirt.

No mention of a family emergency, he just stated he wanted to spend more time with his family. That’s the classic dodge, I bet he’ll spend every day on the golf course.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

His 7th rounders other then Sullivan have been my only knock against Timmins drafting. IMO you go for a grand slam there. Serious always thought he should be going after the Russians with that pick. I didn’t disagree but was also content to go after someone that had fallen ie Colin Sullivan who was ranked 70th by CSS but was still available at 198th.

Yeah, I was being facetious about the 7th rounder, you really can’t expect too much out of that slot, but the Colin Sullivan pick is looking good so far. Big kid who can skate and has a few years in college ahead of him is decent so far.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

How is Hartley suddenly become sexy? He hasn’t coached in the NHL since 2007 and his last gig was not one to write home about. Good riddance to Bob.

I would love to see Carbo. Therrien, Roy, and Crawford all have big baggage, and we don’t need more drama behind the bench. We need competence, experience, and civilized communications with the media.

Carbo was second in coach of the year in 2008, fired because of Kovy/Gainey a year later in a bizarre move, the team was on its way to a 93 point season in 82 games (1.13 pts per game) ; Carbo gained 77 of those points in 66 games (1.16 pts per game). Gainey made a huge gaffe in firing Carbo, he was well on his way to becoming an excellent coach.

Sportsnet Round Table right now is hammering the Habs, saying there may be a problem finding head coach, because no one wants to coach there. The Toronto centric media are so out of tune with what happens elsewhere. The bring up the example of Vigneault that he said no to Montreal and reupped in Vancouver instead. That is such a crock, why would Vigneault quit on the Canucks at this point when he has unfinished business. Then they make Hartley sound like the greatest French speaking coach available. Of course they make no mention of Crawford being available because he works at TSN now.

The media have become whores for their own networks, and reporting has become “media brand bias”

Sportsnet was originally a CTV entity, but were forced to sell it off when they purchased TSN (not sure of exact details) Rogers has since purchased and operated Sportsnet while Bell Globe Media owns and operates TSN. Sportsnet and TSN have a fierce battle going on, with each party hiring away on air talent and behind scenes mgmt from each other.

THeir marriage in owning the Leafs is puzzling and why i still feel they know a 2nd team in Toronto is on the way and one of them will then sell its shares to be involved with the other team. My spidey senses talking only on this last point.

Re: Olympics, That was a joint venture both companies got together in order to outbid CBC and get the Vancouver Olympics. CTV was the lead in it, but shared costs and events with Rogers Sportsnet. I know it seems crazy that competitors can jump in and out of bed together depending on scenarios.

I live 1/2 hour west of the “centre’ and listen to T.O. talk regularly. John Shannon on Sportsnet had crapped all over the Habs possibly hiring Hartley. In fact many of the Sportsnet/Fan590 gang had been taking shots at the Habs for the idea of hiring Hartley. John Shannon has been pushing for jacque lemaire on a two year contract and hire a young french assistant possibly from the Quebec league which I believe is an excellent idea. That being said, it is not likely to happen. However it is nice to see Patrick getting more consideration. I think if he can buy into just coaching and stay away from personnell other than input when asked, it would be awfully exciting to watch. Bergevin is on the right track and we have a brain trust in place like we haven’t seen since the Sammy P days.

Rich man Timmy Thomas doesn’t want to belong to a union involved in a high profile labour dispute. After the NHLPA has negotiated the best possible deal for guys like him, and NHL teams start stroking cheques again I don’t expect it’ll be long before he shows up to collect his money.

…if only I had a giant crane to move Montreal out here, it would be Paradise
…of course, leave the pequistes in the hole that will be left and bulldoze it over …because if they came with My beloved former city, it would become Paradise Lost 🙁

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

…the Kids and I got away camping last summer, touring the Fraser/Thompson and Okanagan …Ford Explorer and our 8 person tent …I swear almost every camp ground we over-nighted were full of these giant R/Vs, with plasma TVs, living-rooms larger than My reasonably sized home in Surrey, air conditioner systems and maddeningly loud generators going for hours
…so, as long as you truly mean TENT when You say ‘tent’ …then, by all means Normand 🙂

Just a car camping setup: cheapie tent with inflatable and flannel lined sleeping bags that weight 10 kilos. As opposed the the real techno backpacking gear I have and rarely use any more.

You should see my beer cooler setup though…

Can’t wait for the Patrick hiring announcement.

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In the very long view, it is important that kids growing up in Québec love the Canadiens and recognize themselves in the team, and a bit of the team in themselves. There must be a strong, visceral, emotional connection between the fans and leurs Glorieux.

Following the discussions of Quebec-born hockey players currently in the NHL, here’s an un-official list and it shows that there may be more than you thought.
I did the exercise a month or so ago, in a previous discussion, and these players represent over 7% of the league’s players. Considering the fact that the NHL is now very global, that’s still pretty impressive.

…if We were not so needy for a first line prodigy at centre, and pure goal scorer, I would select Matthew Dumba as He has ‘the eye of the tiger’
…Matthew will be a ferocious competitor with significant game changing skill
…He and PK, plus Our other burgeoning D talent on the way would be awesome …Our D alone, with Carey, will be worth the price of admission
…I will rue seeing the Weeds anywhere within sniffin’ distance of players like Dumba, Grigorenko, Forsberg or Murray …they simply don’t ‘deserve’ them 🙂

Will Dumba’s size be an issue in the NHL? I say this because he plays such a physical game, and he is not an oversized Dman. In the NHL there are so many large players. I don’t doubt his eye of the tiger, but I would be concerned about how effective he is, if can’t be as physically imposing as he currently is in Junior hockey.

…there are certain people where actual physical ‘size’ is irrelevant …I think Dumba is one of ’em Gerald
…by the way, I had assumed that Dumba was African-Canadian …he is in fact not, he is Romanian-German mixed with Filipino
…an interesting mix
…as far as I know, the first with Filipino blood to make the NHL
…maybe a bit of Pacquiao in him ? 🙂

I got news for Bertrand Raymond……..Montreal is a Canadian city. I dare that fool to go to NDG and see how many people agree with his racist views.

ASide from that the Bruins are in a world of hurt without TT. THis goalie is sooo undervalued by most hockey fans but mostly by the Bruins faithful. This team rode the back of two players to the cup and that was Thomas and their 7 foot premature beast. Bruins fans think they won the cup because of their bully mentality but in retrospect thewy on in spite of those foolish antics. Rask has proven he is not as good when carrying the load and is very similar to when Thibault was playing behind Moog. Put up great numbers as the backup but when Moog got hurt in the playoffs Jocelyn then wet the bed and then somemore the next year when Moog retired. THe Bruins are screwed…….Soon Lucic will be pounding on his own teammates.

The official languages of Canada are English and French, which “have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada” according to Canada’s constitution.[1] Official bilingualism is the term used in Canada to collectively describe the policies, constitutional provisions, and laws which ensure the legal equality of English and French in the Parliament and courts of Canada, protect the linguistic rights of English and French-speaking minorities in different provinces, and ensure a level of government services in both languages across Canada .[2]

to suggest that Tomas is less of a team player because of this is just not fair.

from TSN caption under the picture of Tomas.

“The Boston Bruins confirmed on Friday that goaltender Tim Thomas is seriously considering taking next season off from hockey to spend more time with his family”

and Price stated publicly that he likes Tomas and respects him.

“A lot of people have had opinions on Tim Thomas’ decision to skip the White House Monday. Count Carey Price among those who applaud Thomas’ controversial move.

The Canadiens goaltender said Tuesday that he respects Thomas’ decision to skip the team’s day with President Barack Obama. In a statement explaining the decision, Thomas said it “was not about politics or party,” something Price got a kick out of.

“He’s not political? That’s a pretty political move,” Price told reporters with a laugh. “It’s bold. Good on him, to stand up for what he believes in.”

I have not read anywhere about those family issues, there’s a difference between wanting to spend time with your family, and spending time with your family because of certain issues like sickness.
There’s also the ditching meeting the Prez.
I never liked him, so I’m not gonna start now!

Looks like Galchenyuk’s stock is soaring at the Combine. That may mean he is unavailable at 3. That would leave Timmins and Marc Bergevin with a difficult choice: do they take Murray, who at 3 would be the best player available, or do they go for one of Grigorenko or Forsberg. It’s possible that if Galchenyuk is gone, Bergevin will trade down to some team that MUST have Murray. If the Montreal brass likes Teuvo Teravainen as much as rumored, they may trade down as low as #8 or 9, where he or even Grigorenko may still be had. Lots of options at 3.

Is it possible Yakupov could be available at #3? If one of Edm or Columbus takes Galchenyuk and the other takes Murray … then he’s available. Not the big centre every Habs fan always wants, but would you take him?